MOYSTON Hall was officially re-opened on Friday morning following $480,000 worth of upgrades.

The state government provided a $330,000 drought recovery grant towards the project.

Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green joined representatives from Ararat Rural City and community members for a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The upgrade of Moyston Hall included a construction of a new, accessibility-compliant front access ramp; a new modern façade while keeping the heritage of the building intact; accessible toilets; kitchen improvements; installation of a platform lift for stage access; and interior painting.

Moyston Hall Committee member Anne Marshall said she could remember the days when the hall’s kitchen stove was wood fired and that the disability access ramps would make a huge difference.

“Thank you to the council for organising to get this done and to the state government for providing most of the money,” she said.

“I look forward to working in this space.”

Ararat Rural City councillor Jo Armstrong said the hall had brought the Moyston community together for many years.

“That is exactly what this project has been about: delivering a great community space for the people of this town.

“Ararat Rural City Council, together with community representatives from the Moyston Hall Committee, have worked closely on this project with much valued support coming from Regional Development Victoria.”

Cr Armstong said Ararat Rural City added $150,000 towards to project, which started its design phase back in 2014.

“It has been a huge commitment from all stakeholders and members of this team, and I would personally like to extend my gratitude on behalf of the Ararat Rural City Council for their dedication,” Cr Armstong said.

“It’s wonderful to hear the pride that Moyston has for this new space and I look forward to seeing the hall utilised to its full potential in years to come.”

Yan Yean MP Danielle Green said it the refurbished hall was absolutely beautiful.

“I couldn’t be prouder that $330,000 of your tax money has gone into this hall,” she said.

“Thank you to Ararat Rural City Council and to the ratepayers for supporting this.”

Ms Green said the government ministers had toured the region after the 2015 drought and a fund was established for recovery, which provided the grant for the hall upgrade.